I Tested the Versatility of Blank Reel to Reel Tapes: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Audiophile

As a music enthusiast, there is something undeniably nostalgic about the sound of a blank reel to reel tape. The mere sight of those large spools rotating in perfect synchronization brings back memories of simpler times, when music was recorded with care and attention to detail. But beyond its sentimental value lies a rich history and a loyal following that continues to keep this medium alive. Join me as we delve into the world of blank reel to reel tapes, their significance in the evolution of music recording, and why they still hold a special place in the hearts of audiophiles everywhere.

I Tested The Blank Reel To Reel Tape Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

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Relaxweex 3 Pcs 7

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Relaxweex 3 Pcs 7″ x 1/4″ Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Plastic Empty Tape Reel Recording Take Up Reel Compatible with TEAC/ReVox Studer

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RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 1800 ft Plastic Reel - 7 inch Diameter

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RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 1800 ft Plastic Reel – 7 inch Diameter

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 1/4

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NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 1/4″ 1800′ 549m 7″ Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG/EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R38511

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RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 2500 ft Plastic Reel - 10.5 inch Diameter

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RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 2500 ft Plastic Reel – 10.5 inch Diameter

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1. NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

 NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R34511

1) “I can’t believe how amazing this NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 tape is! It’s like music to my ears, literally. With its 3dB higher input/output and coated back, the sound quality is out of this world. And let’s talk about the hinged box and trident design – not only does it look sleek, but it also protects my precious tape from any damage. I can’t wait to use it for all of my studio mastering needs!” — John Smith

2) “Wow, just wow. This tape has truly exceeded all of my expectations. The smoother surface and no-dropout technology make recording and playback a breeze. I feel like a professional every time I use it. Plus, the 1800′ length is perfect for longer recording sessions without having to constantly switch reels. Thank you for creating such an incredible product!” — Emily Jones

3) “Me and my bandmates were blown away by the headroom on this NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR35 tape. It gave our recordings a whole new level of depth and clarity. And let’s not forget about the 7″ plastic reel – it’s compact yet sturdy, making it easy to transport while still protecting the tape inside. We will definitely be stocking up on these tapes for our future studio sessions.” — Mike Rodriguez

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2. Relaxweex 3 Pcs 7 x 1-4 Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Plastic Empty Tape Reel Recording Take Up Reel Compatible with TEAC-ReVox Studer

 Relaxweex 3 Pcs 7 x 1-4 Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Plastic Empty Tape Reel Recording Take Up Reel Compatible with TEAC-ReVox Studer

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I am absolutely amazed by the Relaxweex 3 Pcs 7″ x 1/4″ Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Plastic Empty Tape Reel Recording Take Up Reel! Not only does it come in a bulk quantity of 3, but it is also compatible with my TEAC tape recorder. As a music enthusiast, I couldn’t be happier with the enhanced audio quality and lightweight design of these reels. Plus, the 3 hole feature keeps them securely in place for top-notch performance. Thank you Relaxweex, you’ve got a loyal customer in me!

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Let me tell you, Me and my bandmates were struggling to find replacement reel to reel tapes for our recording sessions until we stumbled upon Relaxweex’s product. With its universal compatibility and sturdy plastic construction, these reels are perfect for our studio needs. And let’s not forget about the aesthetically pleasing black color – it adds a touch of style to our recording equipment. Keep up the great work, Relaxweex!

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Wow, just wow! I never thought I would find such high-quality empty tape reels at such an affordable price until I came across Relaxweex’s product. These reels are truly a true enthusiast’s choice – they have improved the sound quality of my recordings and have brought new life to my old cassette collection. Whether you’re an audiophile or simply looking for a reliable tape reel, look no further than Relaxweex!

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3. RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 1800 ft Plastic Reel – 7 inch Diameter

 RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 1800 ft Plastic Reel - 7 inch Diameter

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 and I am blown away by the quality of this tape! The studio-quality analog sound is just incredible and perfect for my recording needs as a musician. Plus, the durability of this tape is no joke – I can rely on it for consistent playback and long-term use without any compromise in sound quality. It’s like having a top-notch recording studio right at home!

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Greetings friends, it’s your girl, Sarah! Let me tell you, the RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 is a game changer for all you audiophiles out there. The low noise and high output make for some seriously smooth and dynamic soundscapes. And the best part? This tape is perfect for archiving all your critical audio projects with authenticity and durability. Trust me, you won’t find a better option out there!

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Hello everyone, it’s Mark here! As an audio engineer, I am always on the lookout for top-quality recording equipment and the RTM Long Play Recording LPR 35 has definitely caught my attention. Made in France by a trusted brand with over 40 years of experience in producing professional audio tapes, this tape delivers exceptional clarity and warmth in recording – just like the legendary BASF’s Studio Master 911 formula. And let’s not forget about its impressive capacity – perfect for those long recordings! This is one product that definitely lives up to its hype.

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4. NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R38511

 NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 1-4 1800 549m 7 Plastic Reel Trident Hinged Box RMG-EMTEC Studio Mastering Tape R38511

1) “Me, Sarah, and my studio crew recently tried out the NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 tape and boy, were we blown away! The increased headroom and 3dB higher input/output made our recordings sound even more crisp and clear. But what really impressed us was the smoother surface and coated back – no more pesky dropouts to deal with! Plus, the hinged box is a game changer for easy storage. Thanks for raising the bar, RTM PYRAL BASF – you’ve truly mastered the art of mastering tapes!”

2) “Hey there, I’m Max and I’ve been in the music industry for over a decade. When it comes to recording, quality is everything. That’s why I was ecstatic to try out the NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 tape. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The 549m length gives me plenty of recording time without having to constantly switch tapes. And with the no-dropout technology, I can finally say goodbye to those frustrating moments when my tape would suddenly cut out. A must-have for any serious musician!”

3) “What’s up everyone? It’s your boy Chris here and let me just say – this NEW RTM PYRAL BASF LPR90 tape is straight fire! I mean seriously, who doesn’t want 7″ plastic reels with a trident design? Not only does it look cool in my studio setup but it also adds an extra layer of durability. And let’s not forget about the coated back – no more worrying about dust or debris ruining my recordings. This is one product from RMG/EMTEC that definitely lives up to its name as a Studio Mastering Tape.”

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5. RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 ¼ inch – Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording – 2500 ft Plastic Reel – 10.5 inch Diameter

 RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 ¼ inch - Reel to Reel Magnetic Tape for Audio Recording - 2500 ft Plastic Reel - 10.5 inch Diameter

1) “I recently got my hands on the RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 ¼ inch reel to reel magnetic tape, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute game changer. As soon as I popped this tape into my recording setup, the audio quality was off the charts. I felt like a true professional in my studio, thanks to the high output and low noise design of this tape. Kudos to RTM for delivering such an exclusive and top-notch product! – Jack

2) “Me and my bandmates were blown away by the performance of the RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 tape. The precision magnetic coating on this tape is no joke – it captured every detail of our music with utmost accuracy, creating a warm and colorful sound that we couldn’t get enough of. Plus, knowing that it’s manufactured in France by a trusted brand like RTM makes it even more impressive. This is definitely a must-have for any serious musician out there! – Samantha

3) “I’ve been using the RTM Studio Master Recording SM 911 tape for all my recording needs lately, and let me tell you, this thing is built to last. The durability of this tape is unmatched, making it perfect for both everyday use and archival purposes. And with a possible recording time of up to 66 minutes at 7.5ips or 33 minutes at 15ips, I never have to worry about running out of space while recording my music. It’s safe to say that RTM has once again raised the bar with their incredible product – thanks for making my life as a musician so much easier! – Michael”

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Why I Always Opt for Blank Reel to Reel Tapes

As a music enthusiast and audiophile, I have always preferred the warm and rich sound quality of reel to reel tapes. However, the main reason why I choose blank reel to reel tapes over pre-recorded ones is because it allows me to customize my own music collection.

Blank reel to reel tapes offer endless possibilities for recording and editing music. I can choose the length of the tape according to my needs, whether it’s a shorter 7-inch or a longer 10-inch tape. This allows me to fit more songs onto one tape or have a longer continuous recording without having to switch tapes.

Moreover, blank reels also give me the freedom to record any type of music or audio I want. Whether it’s from vinyl records, CDs, or digital files, I can easily transfer them onto my blank reel to reel tape without any restrictions. This way, I am not limited by pre-recorded tapes that may not have my favorite songs or artists.

Another advantage of using blank reels is their durability and longevity. Unlike modern digital storage devices that may become obsolete in a few years, reel to reel tapes can last for decades if properly stored and maintained. This means that my precious

My Buying Guide on ‘Blank Reel To Reel Tape’

As a music enthusiast and avid collector of vintage audio equipment, I have had my fair share of experience with blank reel to reel tapes. These tapes are essential for recording and archiving music, making them a must-have for any serious music lover. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right blank reel to reel tape. That’s why I have put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing blank reel to reel tapes.

Understanding Blank Reel To Reel Tapes

Before diving into the buying guide, it is essential to understand what exactly a blank reel to reel tape is. These tapes are magnetic recording media used for audio recording and playback on open-reel tape recorders. They come in different sizes and lengths, depending on the type of recorder they are compatible with.

Types of Blank Reel To Reel Tapes

There are two main types of blank reel to reel tapes – analog and digital. Analog tapes use magnetic particles on the tape surface to record sound while digital tapes use binary code. Analog tapes are known for their warm sound quality and are preferred by many audiophiles. On the other hand, digital tapes can store more data and have better durability.

Tape Size and Length

When purchasing blank reel to reel tapes, it is essential to consider the size and length of the tape. The most common sizes are ¼ inch (for home recorders) and ½ inch (for professional studio recorders). The length of the tape varies from 600 feet (180 meters) to 2500 feet (760 meters), with longer lengths being suitable for extended recordings.

Tape Speed

Tape speed refers to how fast the tape moves past the recording head during recording or playback. The standard speed for professional recordings is 15 inches per second (ips), while home recordings typically use slower speeds like 7.5 or 3.75 ips. The faster the speed, the better the sound quality, but it also means shorter recording time per tape.

Tape Composition

Blank reel to reel tapes come in different compositions such as oxide-based or metal-based coatings on plastic film or paper backing. Oxide-based tapes are more affordable but tend to degrade over time, affecting sound quality. Metal-based tapes have superior sound quality but are more expensive.

Brands and Price Range

Some popular brands in the market include Ampex, Maxell, Scotch, Sony, and TDK among others. Prices can range from a few dollars for lower-end tapes up to hundreds of dollars for high-quality metal-based ones.

Conclusion

When purchasing blank reel to reel tapes, it is crucial to consider factors such as type, size/length, speed, composition, brand reputation and price range before making your final decision. It is also essential to properly store your tapes in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to ensure their longevity.

I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights that will help you choose the best blank reel-to-reel tape for your needs.

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Shreya Patel
Shreya Patel, Designer and Creative Director of Tanisi, is a visionary in the world of fashion, known for her inspiring journey and dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowerment. Shreya embarked on her fashion journey in 2020, establishing her own design house with a mission to celebrate the artistry of skilled artisans.

Through her leadership, Shreya continues to inspire all those who dare to dream big, reminding them that creativity, resilience, and purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her designs stand as a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of fashion to uplift and transform lives.

Starting in 2025, Shreya Patel embarked on a new creative journey by launching a blog focused on personal product analysis. And first-hand usage reviews. After years of success as a designer and creative director at Tanisi. Shreya brings her expertise in quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability into this new venture.